12/23/06 (Saturday): Just a quick post tonight to provide the recipe Julie wanted. I'll post again after Christmas--we're having a great time! Here's the recipe. It originally came from the internet and made some changes that I consider an improvement.

Farmhouse Soup Mix in a Jar

1/2 lb. ground turkey (optional)
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 tablespoons beef bouillon flakes
1/2 cup quick cook barley
1/2 cup dried split peas
1/2 cup rice, uncooked (do not use instant)
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/2 cup alphabet pasta, uncooked
1 cup flavored spiral, macaroni, uncooked

Using a funnel, layer all of the ingredients except the macaroni in a 1-quat jar, alternating the colors attractively.

Fill rest of jar with the spiral macaroni that is placed in a baggie. Seal the jar.

Attach the following instructions on a gift tag:

Farmhouse Soup:

If using the ground turkey, fry it until thoroughly cooked
Contents of jar
3 quarts water (add more if needed as it cooks)
2 stalks chopped celery,
2 sliced carrots
1 cup shredded cabbage
2 cups diced tomatoes

Put all ingredients into a stockpot over medium low heat. Cover and simmer about 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender. Add macaroni last 15 minutes of cooking.